Texas – Texas Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico sharply criticized Republican opponent Ken Paxton after reports emerged that the Texas attorney general traveled to Iceland with a woman widely reported to be his romantic partner, accusing Paxton of putting personal interests ahead of Texans during a closely watched Senate race.
In a post shared on X on June 30, Talarico wrote, “Ken Paxton was impeached for taking bribes from donors. He became a multi-millionaire on a government salary. He takes lavish vacations in Iceland while Texans can’t afford the basics. Ken Paxton doesn’t serve us — he serves himself.”
The comments came after the Daily Mail published photographs and video that it said showed Paxton traveling through Washington Dulles International Airport before boarding a flight to Reykjavik, Iceland, with Christian author and influencer Tracy Duhon. The report said the trip occurred just days before the Fourth of July holiday, while Paxton is in the midst of a high-profile campaign for the U.S. Senate. According to multiple news outlets, Paxton’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the trip, Chron reported.
The trip quickly became a political issue, with Democrats arguing that the timing created unfavorable optics as many Texans continue to face concerns over housing costs, inflation and other economic pressures. Texas Democratic Party spokesperson Ryan Martin also criticized the vacation, saying Paxton was choosing a luxury overseas getaway while many Texans struggle financially.
Paxton has remained one of Texas’ most polarizing political figures. In 2023, he was impeached by the Texas House of Representatives on multiple articles that included allegations related to bribery and abuse of office. He was later acquitted by the Texas Senate, allowing him to remain in office as attorney general. The impeachment proceedings have continued to play a prominent role in political attacks during his Senate campaign, The Daily Beast reported.
The Iceland trip has also drawn renewed attention to Paxton’s personal life. His wife, Angela Paxton, filed for divorce in 2025 after 38 years of marriage, citing “biblical grounds.” Reports have linked Tracy Duhon to an alleged relationship with Paxton, although Paxton has not publicly addressed the latest reporting about the Iceland trip.
The controversy arrives as polling suggests the Texas Senate race has become increasingly competitive. A recent The New York Times/Siena College poll found Talarico and Paxton tied among likely voters, with each receiving 47% support. The survey also found notable differences in voter perceptions of the candidates’ character and moral values, factors political analysts say could influence undecided voters in one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate contests.
Political observers have noted that Republicans have held Texas’ U.S. Senate seats for decades, making the race particularly significant for both parties. While Paxton maintains strong support among many Republican voters, his campaign has continued to face scrutiny over past legal and ethical controversies alongside renewed attention to his personal conduct.
With several months remaining before Election Day, both campaigns are expected to continue focusing on issues ranging from the economy and immigration to ethics and character, as the Iceland trip adds another chapter to an already contentious race for one of Texas’ seats in the U.S. Senate.
